Holt County, Missouri: USDA programs and conservation funding

416
Farms & Ranches
220K
Acres in Agriculture
529
Avg Farm Size (acres)
Top commodities: Grain, Corn, Soybeans, Equine, Equine
Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

Holt County, Missouri has 416 farms working 220,066 agricultural acres (average 529 acres per farm). Leading commodities by sales: Grain, Corn, Soybeans. Vegetation typically peaks in Jul, defining the primary growing season.

← Missouri Farm Programs Guide

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

About Holt County

Holt County lies in the Iowa and Missouri Deep Loess Hills (MLRA 107) region. Elevation averages about 860 feet.

Holt County averages 35.6 inches of precipitation annually (1991–2020 NOAA normals). The frost-free growing season runs about 275 days. Annual mean temperature is 53.0°F.

Holt County's agricultural base centers on corn, soybeans, and equine. The 2022 Ag Census recorded 416 farms working 220,066 acres. Cattle inventory stands at 1,437 head.


Quick Facts

RegionNorthwest Missouri
Top CommoditiesCorn, Soybeans, Horses, Berries, Goats, Vegetables

Current Conditions

Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14

Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Holt County.

USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)

118 W Davis St, Mound City, MO 64470

(660) 442-3134

Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.

What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.


Programs for Holt County Operations

Based on Holt County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Flood management and levee maintenance are critical for protecting high-value agricultural investments. Precision agriculture practices maximize returns on some of the most expensive agricultural land in Missouri.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.


Local Conservation Priorities

Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.

How to find your county's priorities:

  • Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
  • Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
  • Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria

Counties Bordering Holt County

Holt County shares borders with Doniphan County, Kansas, Andrew County, Missouri, Atchison County, Missouri, Nodaway County, Missouri, Nemaha County, Nebraska, and Richardson County, Nebraska. Conservation priorities, EQIP ranking pools, and drought conditions often overlap across county lines — it's worth checking neighboring county pages if your operation spans multiple jurisdictions.

Your Next Steps in Holt County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide

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Vegetation Baseline

0.28
Typical NDVI (Apr)
0.92
Peak season (Jul)
JanJulDec
5-year average NDVI from MODIS MOD13Q1 (2021–2025 avg)

Quick Tools for Holt County

Check drought statusCurrent USDM conditions and historical drought data.PRF rainfall analysis78 years of grid-level rainfall data for hay and grazing insurance.Estimate EQIP costsSee what NRCS may cover and your estimated out-of-pocket share.Disaster triageLost livestock or pasture? Find your disaster programs and deadlines.See all deadlinesEvery USDA program deadline in one place.